Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Davey, Kirk
Author's Email Address	davey@eng.fsu.edu
URN	etd-11092005-201956
Title	Development of Carbon Nanotube/ Carbon Fiber Multiscale Reinforcement Composites
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Okenwa Okoli Committee Co-Chair Richard Linag Committee Co-Chair Ben Wang Committee Member James Sands Committee Member Reginald Parker Committee Member
Keywords	Multiscale SC-79 Epoxy Resin T800 IM7 Carbon Nanotubes Composite
Date of Defense	2005-10-31
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract High performance composites are currently being used in the marine, automotive, aerospace and defense industries. These industries demand materials with properties that are similar or better than conventional metals at a fraction of the weight. The development of nanoparticle reinforced composites is presently one of the most explored areas in materials science and engineering. The exceptional properties of nanoparticles have made them a focus of widespread research. By combining nanoparticles with traditional reinforcement materials, multiscale composites can be produced with superior properties to that of regular composites. This research focuses on the development of multiscale reinforcement composites, through the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), IM7 and T800 carbon fibers and SC-79 epoxy resin. Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding and hand lay-up/ vacuum bagging processes were evaluated for the manufacturing of multiscale composites. Results from this research showed that the use of carbon nanotubes can increase the tensile strength by up to 27% and toughness by up to 38%, with the addition of 2.5wt% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). However there were no significant changes in the flexural properties with the addition of carbon nanotubes. Analysis of the fracture surfaces, using scanning electron microscopy showed that there was good dispersion of the carbon nanotubes through out the matrix material. The good dispersion of tubes aided in toughening the SC-79 epoxy resin. This toughening effect was evident though the change in crack propagation patterns on the fracture surface. There was also evidence of the nanotubes bridging cracks and holding resin particles together, which also lead to increased fracture toughness
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